Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 13, 2025

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
08:55

The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia

Published on: November 30, 2016

16.5K

Cardiac Cachexia: A Comprehensive Review

Julia S Szinte1, Manish A Parikh1,2, William H Frishman3

  • 1From the Department of Medicine, New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY.

Cardiology in Review
|August 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac cachexia, a severe condition in advanced heart failure, is often overlooked but has a high mortality rate. Prompt diagnosis and understanding its complex causes are crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Cardiac cachexia is a complex syndrome affecting patients with advanced heart failure (New York Heart Association Class III-IV).
  • It is often misdiagnosed as aging, leading to delayed intervention.
  • The condition carries a significant mortality rate of 50% within 18 months of diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive analysis of cardiac cachexia.
  • To review its definition, diagnostic criteria, prevalence, and mortality.
  • To explore the pathophysiology, reversibility, and treatment options.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing studies on cardiac cachexia.
  • Examination of pathophysiological mechanisms including cytokine release, neurohormonal activation, gut involvement, and iron deficiency anemia.
  • Comparison with sarcopenia and frailty.

Main Results:

  • Cardiac cachexia is characterized by complex pathophysiology involving systemic inflammation and gut dysfunction.
  • Biomarkers, neurohormonal activation, and iron deficiency anemia are key components.
  • Differentiating it from sarcopenia and frailty is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Cardiac cachexia is underrecognized and undertreated in heart failure patients.
  • Prompt diagnosis and understanding its multifaceted pathophysiology are critical.
  • Further research into effective pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments is warranted.

Keywords:
FrailtyIGF-1RAASSGLT-2 inhibitorsanemiabeta-blockerscardiac cachexiacongestive heart failureejection fractioninflammatory cytokinesleft ventricular assist devicesreactive oxygen speciessarcopenia

More Related Videos

Percutaneous Contrast Echocardiography-guided Intramyocardial Injection and Cell Delivery in a Large Preclinical Model14:24

Percutaneous Contrast Echocardiography-guided Intramyocardial Injection and Cell Delivery in a Large Preclinical Model

Published on: January 21, 2018

11.8K
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Coronary Artery Revascularization05:25

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Coronary Artery Revascularization

Published on: September 15, 2023

846

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
42
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
34
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
48
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
1.8K
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
22
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...
139